AD Barnes Park355

When kids need some time outdoors, it's hard to beat "Doug" Barnes, which offers 44-acres of rolling hills, a playground, nature center, swimming pool, shelters, barbecue grills, freshwater lake for fishing, and walking paths.

The Sense of Wonder Nature Center, located within the park, holds continuous nature study and outreach programs like Shake a Snake, American Indian, and Hug a Bug. Kids especially love the outdoor hands-on exhibits. The nature center also provides nature-themed birthday parties.

This park was designed in particular to serve special needs children, from those in wheelchairs to those with asthma. The paths are wheelchair-friendly, making it possible for chair-bound kids to fish, swim (the solar-heated pool has a ramp for the physically impaired, and if needed, a chairlift for wheelchair patrons), and even explore the tree house, which includes a ramp that runs up 12 feet off the ground into a cluster of trees.

The chair-friendly paths and the treehouse ramp also make life easier for those of us with strollers, especially when we're chasing a five year old big sibling!

For information on programs for the disabled, call 305.665.5319.

Summer Day Camps are open to kids ages 6 to 16.

Admission to the park is free, but a fee is charged for most programs and camps. Call for current program fees.